DG delivers Sustain 2007 keynote address
October 2007
News
At the opening of the recent Sustain 2007 conference, the director general, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), Jabulani Sindane, addressed the topic of Water Services Performance in his keynote address, picking up on the conference theme of 'water management excellence'.
Jabulani Sindane, director general, Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
Sindane spoke of the significant progress that has been achieved over recent years in terms of infrastructure delivery, but cautioned that the success of this programme is threatened by one major shortcoming - effective and sustainable management.
The water services backlog is negatively impacted by project failures and comebacks. A recent audit initiated by DWAF on the functionality of completed water services projects revealed that a major portion of the projects do not comply with minimum delivery standards.
Estimated water losses in local municipalities are in the order of 40%, and major interventions are needed in terms of waste water management, where at least 30% of plants require urgent intervention and more than 60% require institutional and management improvements.
The DG acknowledged that the sector is facing many challenges: meeting the basic services targets, ensuring water services quality and sustainability as well as supporting economic growth and development and urged delegates to take the sector and the associated outcomes to the next level, wishing them well with the conference.
Further reading:
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments
News
Hitachi Energy ramps up global and African investments to support grid readiness for the AI era.
Read more...
Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...
printer friendly version